Monday, October 15, 2012

Donate Plasma

You might have seen a commercial or heard about donating plasma, but maybe you don't know what it is. Let me tell you about BioLife Plasma Services and my experiences donating plasma.

I'd heard talk about BioLife and how you can earn money by donating plasma, but I was a little skeptical. Questions came to mind like did it hurt, how much do you get paid, were there side effects, and was it really worth my time?

Does it hurt?

Now I know a lot of people are afraid of needles, and if that's you then you'll probably never try it. I don't hate needles, but who likes them?! In my experiences it was pretty painless. I say "pretty" because ya there's the sting of the needle going in, but if you look away it's not so bad. I can handle a few seconds of pain for the cash at the end.

Occasionally you might have problems while donating. There have been a few times when I was donating where the needle shifted in my arm a little (or something like that) and I ended up with a bruise and swelling. They just have you ice your arm and the bruise and swelling go away within a couple days. Still worth it if you ask me. I donated twice a week for about six months and this happened to me twice.

How do I donate and how do I start?

First, you schedule an appointment online (https://www.biolifeplasma.com/EasyScheduler/). Then the first appointment you will make you'll have a physical and donate for your first time. This usually lasts a couple hours so make sure you go on a day where you don't have to be anywhere. BioLife will walk you through the steps to donate when you get there. They will then check your blood pressure and prick your finger and check that your iron is high enough. From there you will be seated and the Phlebotomist (fancy word for people in white lab coats) will get your arm ready then stick the needle in. After the needle's in, you'll clench and unclench your fist to get your blood flowing. Once the blood fills up the container it stops and you relax while the blood flows back into your veins. This does not hurt but might make your fingers tingle. You repeat the process until the plasma container is filled up enough. Then they remove your needle and wrap up your arm. Lastly you check out where you will receive your money on your BioLife card and schedule your next appointment. In all it takes about an hour.

Look for BioLife coupons for extra cash on your first time donating!

How much money do I get?

It might depend on the center you go to, but the one in Cedar Falls, Iowa gives you $20 the first time and $30 the second time that week you go. Pretty easy money for about an hour of "work".

Is it really worth it?

Yes! Not only does BioLife give you money for donating, but giving plasma saves lives!